BMW Concept X5 eDrive to join hybrid deluge in Frankfurt

We're beginning to wonder if there will be any new gasoline cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show, because hybrids are really dominating the pre-show sneak peeks. BMW is the latest to join the likes of Mercedes and Land Rover. It explores what happens when you add a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the X5 crossover.

As you can easily deduce from the name, the Concept X5 eDrive is a combination of the X5 and BMW eDrive technology. Its TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine is slimmed down from the six- and eight-cylinder options on the production X5. To make up for the smaller engine, a 95-hp electric motor kicks in extra oomph. The motor can take over driving duties completely, providing up to 19 miles (30 km) of zero emissions commuting and speeds up to 75 mph (121 km/h).

The electric motor is backed by a high-powered lithium-ion battery that's mounted below the load floor, barely compromising interior space. It can be charged via the port on the driver side front fender, and a charging cable is included in the load area just above the battery itself.

The electric system and smaller four-cylinder engine underpin a BMW-estimated fuel economy of 74.3 mpg imp (62 mpg US), which makes the 2013 xDrive35i's 19 mpg US look downright sad. BMW lists Concept X5 emissions at less than 90 g/km. Three different driving modes manage the efficiency: Intelligent Hybrid, which balances efficiency and performance; Safe Battery, which preserves battery power for later use; and fully electric. Drivers can select the ECO PRO option to shade the intelligent hybrid mode more toward frugal, efficient driving.

The hybrid system works with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive to send electric and engine drive power to the wheels that can most effectively push the car forward. BMW promises that the concept has the sure-footed, all-weather traction and agility that people demand from an AWD utility vehicle.

As it is based on the actual X5, the X5 eDrive looks like a polished model ready to hit assembly lines, as opposed to the wild fantasies that some other concepts embody. It does distinguish itself ever so subtly with the charging port, specially designed roof rails, and BMW "i Blue" highlights in the the kidney grille, air intakes and rear bumper inlay.

Like other green BMW models, the Concept X5 eDrive's ConnectedDrive system is tweaked for electric propulsion. It shows the amount of all-electric range available at the moment, factoring traffic conditions, road conditions and driving style into the equation. The navigation system includes charging stations on its display. An accompanying smartphone app lets the driver monitor battery power, charging and range. It also offers control of certain functions, such as charging, preheating and precooling.

Upon graduating college with a poli sci degree, Chris toiled in the political world for several years. Realizing he was better off making cynical comments from afar than actually getting involved in all that mess, he turned away from matters of government and news to cover the things that really matter: outdoor recreation, cool cars, technology, wild gadgets and all forms of other toys. He's happily following the wisdom of his father who told him that if you find something you love to do, it won't really be work.

It is a shame that they don't do work on propulsion systems that don't need the rare earth elements ammonia absorption, or soda engines.

Slowburn

Finally the car industry is getting "naturalized" with less polluting but useful vehicles as will be seen at the Frankfurt motor show. I still think that pricing is still the sore point for many, but its a welcomed major step in the right direction. Mother earth is finally getting more environmentally-law abiding citizens

Chiko

@ Chiko
The ecological damage from the batteries and motors outweigh the fuel savings.

Slowburn

It's all very good but if units are not made affordable other than by lease payment and reasonable deposit (and maybe not even then), they will not sell enough units to recoup costs. That means more poor gas mileage heavyweight (+ 5000lb) SUVs on the market to compensate.